AGP Executive Report

Ebola Response Tech: The DRC is using anonymised mobile phone data to predict where Ebola could spread next, mapping travel between towns so health teams can pre-position support before cases are detected. Outbreak Update: WHO reports the Bundibugyo outbreak has hit 7,773 confirmed cases and 3,759 deaths, with Ituri still hardest hit while North Kivu is rising fast. Vaccine Rollout: Ervebo vaccination has expanded to Ituri, with MSF launching the BRAVO study in Bunia to assess whether the vaccine can protect against Bundibugyo; 3,700+ people have already received doses. Mpox Lab Accuracy: Swiss-led research in the DRC suggests nearly 35% of mpox PCR positives may be false due to contamination, raising the stakes for better testing and surveillance. Clinical Research: NanoViricides has started a Phase II trial of NV-387 for mpox in the DRC, using oral gummies and enrolling first patients. Digital Payments: Visa named Congolese star Fally Ipupa as brand ambassador for Visa Pay, pushing cashless payments in line with the Central Bank’s 2027 agenda. Minerals & AI: KoBold Metals is deploying AI-directed exploration in the DRC to find critical minerals like lithium, aiming to reduce reliance on China’s dominance.

Ebola Response in Ituri: DRC expanded Ebola vaccination to Ituri, with 3,700+ people receiving Ervebo and a Bunia study (BRAVO) aiming to vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers to test protection against the Bundibugyo strain. Ebola Toll Update: The outbreak is reported to have surpassed 3,700 deaths, with WHO warning many cases are detected only after people die in the community. Mpox Lab Results Questioned: Swiss-led research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found about 35% of mpox PCR positives in several Congolese cities may reflect sample contamination, raising the risk of false diagnoses and misdirected surveillance. New Mpox Drug Trial: NanoViricides began a Phase II trial of NV-387 for mpox in the DRC, using an oral gummy formulation and enrolling first patients. Minerals, AI, and Power: KoBold Metals is using AI-directed exploration in the DRC to find critical minerals like lithium, as the race to reduce China’s dominance heats up. Conflict and Mining Abuses: Amnesty says M23 fighters abused artisanal miners and helped traffic gold and coltan to Rwanda, with violations that may amount to war crimes. Digital Payments Push: Visa named Congolese star Fally Ipupa as ambassador for Visa Pay in the DRC, tying the rollout to the country’s cashless agenda.**

Ebola Response: DRC expanded Ebola vaccination to Ituri, with Ervebo reaching 3,700+ people and a Bunia study (BRAVO) aiming to vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers to test protection against the Bundibugyo strain. Outbreak Tracking: WHO reported mixed trends—Ituri and Haut Uele saw case drops, while North Kivu rose sharply—highlighting that many infections are still detected only after deaths in communities. Mpox Diagnostics: Swiss-led research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases suggests nearly 35% of DRC mpox PCR positives may be false due to contamination, raising the stakes for faster, cleaner testing and surveillance. New Antiviral Trial: NanoViricides began Phase II enrollment in DRC for NV-387 mpox treatment, using oral gummies and a Kinshasa-based principal investigator. Tech & Minerals: KoBold Metals is deploying AI-directed exploration in the DRC to find critical minerals like lithium, as the country remains largely unexplored. Digital Payments: Visa named Fally Ipupa as brand ambassador for Visa Pay in DRC, pushing the Central Bank’s cashless agenda. Conflict & Rights: Amnesty says M23 fighters and Rwandan-linked networks abused miners and trafficked gold and coltan—potentially amounting to war crimes. AI Influence: Anthropic reported misuse of Claude AI in DRC-focused influence operations using fake news sites to support Kinshasa’s narrative. Local Economy: South Kivu coffee producers are building a domestic market as conflict disrupts farms and export buyers. Diplomacy: Belgium and Rwanda restored ties after an 18-month rift tied to the DRC conflict. Public Health Policy: Canada’s Ebola travel ban continues to disrupt DRC visa holders’ family and work plans, with restrictions set to expire Sept. 28.

Ebola Vaccine Push: DRC expanded Ebola vaccination in Ituri, with MSF and partners launching the BRAVO study in Bunia to vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers and track whether Ervebo helps against the Bundibugyo strain; Ebola Reality Check: WHO reported uneven progress—cases falling in Ituri and Haut Uele but rising sharply in North Kivu—plus many infections detected only after people die in the community; Mpox Lab Accuracy: Swiss-led research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found nearly 35% of mpox PCR positives in several Congolese cities may reflect contaminated samples, raising the risk of false diagnoses; AI in Health and Research: NanoViricides began Phase II enrollment in DRC for NV-387 mpox treatment using oral gummies; AI for Minerals: KoBold Metals is using AI-guided exploration in the DRC to find critical minerals and reduce reliance on China’s dominance in copper and cobalt; Digital Payments: Visa named Fally Ipupa as brand ambassador for Visa Pay in DRC, aiming to boost cashless payments; Conflict and Rights: Amnesty says M23 fighters and Rwandan authorities abused miners and trafficked gold and coltan, with violations potentially amounting to war crimes; Information Warfare: Anthropic reported misuse of Claude AI to generate pro-government DRC narratives via fake news networks.

Ebola Vaccine Rollout: DRC expanded Ebola vaccination to Ituri, launching the BRAVO study in Bunia with MSF and partners; about 3,700 people have already received Ervebo, and roughly 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu will be followed to test whether the Zaire-based vaccine can protect against the Bundibugyo strain. Ebola Response Gaps: WHO reported uneven progress across provinces, with Ituri and Haut Uele seeing declines while North Kivu rose sharply, and warned many infections are only detected after people die outside treatment centers. Mpox Lab Accuracy: Swiss-led research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found nearly 35% of PCR-positive mpox results in several DRC cities may reflect contamination rather than real infections, raising the risk of false diagnoses and misdirected surveillance. AI in Mining: US firm KoBold Metals is using AI-guided exploration in the DRC to find critical minerals like lithium, aiming to reduce reliance on China’s dominance in copper and cobalt. Digital Influence Watch: Anthropic says actors used Claude AI to generate pro-government narratives via fake news sites focused on DRC-Rwanda tensions and mineral deals. Local Innovation: In South Kivu, young entrepreneurs are building a domestic coffee market in Bukavu, helping farmers sell locally as conflict disrupts exports.

AI Minerals Push: US miner KoBold Metals is sending AI-guided geologists deeper into the DRC to hunt copper, cobalt and lithium, aiming to reduce China’s dominance in critical minerals. Ebola Vaccination Rollout: The DRC expanded Ervebo vaccination to Ituri, with a BRAVO study in Bunia targeting about 20,000 frontline workers and tracking protection against the Bundibugyo strain. Ebola Outbreak Update: WHO reports falling cases in Ituri and Haut Uele, but sharp increases in North Kivu, with many deaths still occurring before people reach treatment. Mpox Lab Accuracy: Swiss-led research warns that around 35% of mpox PCR positives in several DRC cities may reflect contaminated samples, raising the risk of false diagnoses. Mpox Drug Trial Starts: NanoViricides began a Phase II trial of NV-387 for mpox in the DRC, enrolling first patients in Kinshasa-led research. Digital Payments: Visa named Fally Ipupa as brand ambassador for Visa Pay in the DRC, pushing cashless payments under the Central Bank’s 2027 agenda. Info Integrity: Anthropic says actors in the DRC used Claude AI to generate pro-government narratives via fake news networks. Conflict & Mining Abuses: Amnesty details alleged M23 and Rwanda-linked abuses and trafficking of gold and coltan from artisanal mines, with potential war-crime implications. Education Disruption: Students in Goma and Bukavu demand the resumption of suspended academic activities amid ongoing insecurity.

Ebola Response in Ituri: China’s medical experts say the key is shifting from treatment to prevention in local primary care as WHO reports the Bundibugyo outbreak is still spreading, with many deaths occurring before people reach Ebola treatment centers. Vaccination Push: DRC expanded Ervebo vaccination to Ituri, launching the BRAVO study in Bunia to follow about 20,000 frontline workers and test whether the vaccine can protect against the Bundibugyo strain. Outbreak Tracking: WHO notes mixed trends—declines in Ituri and Haut Uele but a sharp rise in North Kivu—while DRC reports treatment capacity under heavy pressure as the epidemic curve shifts. Mpox Lab Accuracy: Swiss-led research warns that nearly 35% of mpox PCR positives in several Congolese cities may reflect contamination rather than true infection, raising stakes for surveillance and patient care. Digital Payments: Visa named Fally Ipupa as brand ambassador for Visa Pay in DRC, aiming to boost cashless payments. AI Influence Watch: Anthropic says actors used Claude AI to generate pro-government content tied to DRC-Rwanda tensions. Carbon Market Law: DRC signed an ordinance-law creating a national legal regime and registry for voluntary carbon markets.

Ebola Update: WHO says Ebola cases fell in Ituri (-26%) and Haut Uele (-15%) over 21 days, but North Kivu jumped (+73%), with many deaths still happening before people reach treatment—especially among children under five. Vaccination Drive: DRC expanded Ervebo vaccination to Ituri, with MSF launching the BRAVO study in Bunia to follow about 20,000 frontline workers (Ituri and North Kivu) and test protection against the Bundibugyo variant. Mpox Lab Accuracy: Swiss-led research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found nearly 35% of mpox PCR positives in four DRC cities may reflect contamination rather than true infection, raising concerns for surveillance and patient misdiagnosis. AI and Information Integrity: Anthropic reports misuse of Claude AI in DRC influence operations, including hundreds of posts on fake news sites pushing pro-government narratives tied to the Rwanda conflict and mineral deals. Carbon Tech Policy: DRC signed an ordinance-law creating a national carbon market and an “agentic-AI” sovereign digital registry for Article 6 mitigation records. Health Research Funding: CEPI pledged $3.9M to boost Bundibugyo ebolavirus surveillance, lab work, genomics, and modelling in DRC and Uganda.

Ebola Update: WHO says Bundibugyo Ebola is still not under control: cases fell in Ituri (-26%) and Haut Uele (-15%) over 21 days, but North Kivu jumped (+73%), with many new infections only identified after people die outside treatment centres. Vaccination Drive: DRC expanded Ervebo vaccination to Ituri, with MSF launching the BRAVO study in Bunia to follow about 20,000 frontline workers and test protection against Bundibugyo. Research Funding: CEPI pledged $3.9M for DRC and Uganda to strengthen surveillance, lab work, genomics, and modelling for Bundibugyo response and vaccine trial readiness. Mpox Lab Warning: Swiss-led research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found nearly 35% of “PCR-positive” mpox tests in DRC cities may reflect contamination, raising the risk of false diagnoses. Conflict & Minerals: Amnesty reports M23 abuses against artisanal miners and trafficking of gold and coltan to Rwanda, warning of possible war crimes. Digital Payments: Visa named Fally Ipupa as brand ambassador for Visa Pay in the DRC, pushing the Central Bank’s cashless agenda. AI Influence: Anthropic says an AI-linked network used Claude to generate pro-government content tied to DRC-Rwanda tensions.

Ebola Response in Ituri: DRC expanded Ebola vaccination to Ituri, with 3,700+ people already receiving Ervebo and a new MSF-led study (BRAVO) in Bunia aiming to vaccinate 20,000 frontline workers to test protection against Bundibugyo virus. Outbreak Tracking: WHO says the epidemic remains “uncontrolled” and uneven, with Ituri easing while North Kivu transmission is surging, pushing treatment capacity near saturation. Epidemic Intelligence Funding: CEPI pledged $3.9M to strengthen surveillance, lab work, genomics and modelling for Bundibugyo response across DRC and Uganda, supporting faster decisions and trial readiness. Mpox Lab Accuracy: Swiss-led research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found about 35% of PCR-positive mpox results in DRC may reflect environmental contamination, raising the risk of false diagnoses and skewed surveillance. DRC–Rwanda Conflict & Rights: Amnesty reports M23 fighters and Rwandan-linked actors abused artisanal miners and trafficked gold and coltan, with violations that may amount to war crimes. Digital Payments Push: Visa named Fally Ipupa brand ambassador for Visa Pay in DRC, backing the Central Bank’s cashless agenda. Academic Disruption: Students in Goma and Bukavu demand resumption of suspended university activities after disruptions in several public institutions. Information Integrity: Anthropic says actors used Claude AI to generate pro-government narratives via fake news sites focused on DRC-Rwanda tensions. Mobility Curbs: Canada’s Ebola travel ban left DRC visa holders facing missed weddings and delayed schooling, with restrictions set to expire Sept. 28.

Ebola Vaccination Push: DRC expanded Ervebo vaccination into Ituri, with MSF and partners launching the BRAVO study in Bunia to vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers and track protection against the Bundibugyo virus. Outbreak Watch: WHO says the Ebola crisis remains “uncontrolled” even as Ituri eases and North Kivu surges, with transmission shifting by province and treatment capacity under strain. Mpox Lab Results Questioned: Swiss-led research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found roughly 35% of mpox PCR positives in four Congolese cities may reflect contamination rather than true infection, raising stakes for surveillance and patient care. Information Integrity: Anthropic reports misuse of Claude AI in DRC-linked influence operations, including networks tied to fake news sites promoting pro-government narratives around the Rwanda conflict. Conflict & Minerals: Amnesty International alleges M23 abuses against artisanal miners and trafficking of gold and coltan to Rwanda, warning the conduct may amount to war crimes. Digital Payments: Visa named Fally Ipupa as brand ambassador for Visa Pay in the DRC, aiming to accelerate cashless payments under the Central Bank agenda. Local Jobs: Young entrepreneurs in South Kivu are building a domestic coffee market, helping workers apply skills locally as conflict disrupts exports.

Ebola Response: DRC expanded Ebola vaccination to Ituri, with 3,700+ people already receiving Ervebo and a BRAVO study in Bunia aiming to vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu to test protection against the Bundibugyo virus. Outbreak Dynamics: WHO says the epidemic remains “uncontrolled” and increasingly uneven, with Ituri easing while North Kivu transmission rises as treatment capacity nears saturation. Research Funding: CEPI pledged $3.9M to boost epidemic intelligence and modelling for Bundibugyo response, backing projects in DRC and Uganda to link surveillance, lab, genomic and movement data to faster decisions and vaccine trial readiness. Conflict & Minerals: Amnesty reports M23 fighters, with Rwandan help, abused artisanal miners and trafficked gold and coltan to Rwanda, warning the conduct may amount to war crimes and pillage. AI & Information Integrity: Anthropic says actors used its Claude AI in DRC-focused influence operations, pushing pro-government narratives via fake news networks. Local Innovation: Young entrepreneurs in South Kivu are building a domestic market for local coffee, helping keep jobs and skills in the region despite insecurity.

Ebola Vaccines Roll Out in Ituri: DRC expanded Ervebo vaccination to Ituri, with MSF launching the BRAVO study in Bunia to follow about 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu and test whether the vaccine can protect against the Bundibugyo virus; initial Ervebo doses were approved in August and 3,700+ people have already been vaccinated. Outbreak Still Uneven Across Provinces: WHO says the Ebola outbreak remains “uncontrolled” and increasingly different by location: Ituri is on a downward slope while North Kivu is seeing sharp, sustained increases, with treatment capacity under heavy pressure. CEPI Funds Faster Ebola Response Science: CEPI committed $3.9 million to support DRC and Uganda research projects focused on surveillance, lab work, genomics, and population movement modelling to guide response and clinical trial readiness for Bundibugyo ebolavirus. AI Misuse in Congo’s Information War: Anthropic reported that its Claude AI was used in DRC-linked influence operations, including fake news networks pushing pro-government narratives around the Rwanda conflict and mineral deals. M23 Mineral Plunder and Abuse Allegations: Amnesty says Rwanda-backed M23 fighters abused artisanal miners and trafficked gold and coltan to Rwanda, with violations that may amount to war crimes. Local Jobs Grow Around Coffee: Young entrepreneurs in South Kivu are building a domestic coffee market, helping workers apply skills locally as conflict disrupts farms and export buyers.

M23 Mineral Plunder: Amnesty says Rwanda-backed M23 fighters abused artisanal miners and trafficked gold and coltan to Rwanda, with violations that may amount to war crimes, raising fresh alarms about how conflict minerals reach global electronics. Ebola Vaccination Push: In Kinshasa, DRC expanded Ervebo vaccination to Ituri, with 3,700+ people vaccinated so far, as MSF launches the BRAVO study to test protection against the Bundibugyo virus among about 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu. Ebola Outbreak Still Uneven: WHO warns the epidemic remains “uncontrolled” and increasingly different by region—Ituri is on a downward slope while North Kivu is rising—while UN officials caution against declaring the peak over. Ebola Response Science Funding: CEPI pledged $3.9m to boost modelling and epidemic intelligence for Bundibugyo response in DRC and Uganda, supporting surveillance, lab, genomic and movement data work. AI Influence Watch: Anthropic reports Claude was misused in DRC to generate pro-government narratives via fake news networks, highlighting the growing risk of automated information manipulation. Education Under Strain: Students in Goma and Bukavu demand the return of suspended academic activities, arguing they are being punished for conflict they say they don’t drive.

Ebola Response Expansion: DRC has expanded the Ervebo vaccination drive to Ituri, with 3,700+ people vaccinated and a new MSF-led study (“BRAVO”) in Bunia aiming to vaccinate about 20,000 frontline workers in Ituri and North Kivu to test protection against the Bundibugyo virus. Outbreak Dynamics: WHO says the epidemic remains “uncontrolled” because transmission is shifting by region—Ituri is on a downward slope, while North Kivu is rising, with treatment capacity under heavy pressure. Research Funding: CEPI pledged $3.9 million to strengthen surveillance, lab work, genomics, and modelling for Bundibugyo response across DRC and Uganda, supporting trial readiness and faster outbreak decisions. Local Tech & Economy: In Bukavu, young entrepreneurs are building a local coffee market to stabilize incomes as conflict disrupts farm access and export buyers. AI & Information Integrity: Anthropic reported misuse of its Claude AI in DRC-linked influence operations, including fake news networks pushing pro-government narratives. Education Disruption: Students in Goma and Bukavu are demanding the resumption of suspended academic activities after interruptions in public higher education.

Ebola Vaccination Drive: DRC expanded Ervebo vaccination to Ituri, with 3,700+ people vaccinated so far, as MSF launches the BRAVO study in Bunia to follow ~20,000 frontline workers and test protection against the Bundibugyo virus. Outbreak Dynamics: WHO says the Ebola outbreak remains “uncontrolled” and heterogeneous: Ituri is on a downward slope, but North Kivu is surging, with treatment capacity under heavy strain. Research Funding: CEPI pledged $3.9 million to boost epidemic intelligence and modelling for Bundibugyo response in DRC and Uganda, linking surveillance, lab work, genomics, and movement data to speed decisions and clinical trial readiness. Carbon Market & AI Registry: DRC signed an ordinance-law creating a national carbon market and a sovereign digital registry for mitigation outcomes, framed as agentic-AI public infrastructure under Article 6. Local Innovation & Jobs: In Bukavu, young entrepreneurs are building a domestic coffee market by processing and marketing South Kivu beans locally as conflict disrupts farm access and export buyers. Education Disruption: Students in Goma and Bukavu demand resumption of suspended academic activities, asking authorities to restart classes, exams, internships, and research. Public Health Risk Alert: A new Ebola case was detected far from the epicentre in South Ubangi after travel via road and river routes, raising concerns about contacts across provinces and borders.